DHS awards $32.8M for EDS refresh kits and integration, impacting airport security infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,771,012 ($32.8M)

Contractor: Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-09-25

End Date: 2021-02-26

Contract Duration: 1,250 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF TASK ORDER 083 IS TO PROVIDE EDS REFRESH KITS AS WELL AS ALL ENGINEERING, LABOR, TRAVEL, AND TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR INSTALLATION. THIS REQUIREMENT ALSO INCLUDES ALL EQUIPMENT, ENGINEERING, LABOR, TRAVEL, AND TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH INTEGRATING THE REFRESHED EDS UNITS INTO EXISTING OPTINET NETWORKS, WHERE POSSIBLE, OR INSTALLING AND INTEGRATING THE EDS INTO NEW 10.X/OPTINET NETWORKS WHERE REQUIRED. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO REPLACE VIEWING STATIONS, AND ANY OTHER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT, NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE REFRESHED EDS AND NETWORKS.

Place of Performance

Location: WOBURN, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01801

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $32.8 million to LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF TASK ORDER 083 IS TO PROVIDE EDS REFRESH KITS AS WELL AS ALL ENGINEERING, LABOR, TRAVEL, AND TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR INSTALLATION. THIS REQUIREMENT ALSO INCLUDES ALL EQUIPMENT, ENGINEERING, LABOR, TRAVEL, AND TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH INTEGRATING THE REFRESHED… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on upgrading Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) and integrating them into existing and new networks. 2. Includes engineering, labor, travel, and testing for installation and integration, indicating a comprehensive service requirement. 3. The contract also covers replacement of incompatible peripheral equipment, suggesting a need for system modernization. 4. Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition for this specific task order. 5. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government, but potential for contractor profit. 6. The duration of 1250 days indicates a long-term project with sustained support needs. 7. The contract falls under Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing (NAICS 334517), aligning with specialized security equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32.8 million for EDS refresh kits and integration appears substantial. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale airport security equipment upgrades and integration projects is necessary for a definitive value assessment. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable value. The firm-fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, but the total cost is driven by the scope of work, which includes extensive engineering, labor, and testing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the data provided only indicates the awardee for this specific task order (083) and does not detail the number of bids received or the competitive process for the parent contract. A full and open competition generally promotes a wider range of offers and can lead to better pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions, potentially leading to cost savings or enhanced service delivery.

Public Impact

Air travelers benefit from enhanced airport security through upgraded Explosive Detection Systems. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) receives critical infrastructure upgrades to maintain and improve screening capabilities. The contract supports the modernization of airport security technology nationwide. The project implies a need for skilled labor in engineering, installation, and testing of specialized security equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense and security sector, specifically focusing on advanced screening technologies. The market for Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) is specialized, often dominated by a few key manufacturers and integrators. Spending in this area is driven by evolving security threats and regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale procurements of similar security equipment for federal agencies or major transportation hubs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this task order. As a large contract likely awarded to a prime contractor, there may be subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, but this is not explicitly detailed. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As a task order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight mechanisms would likely be defined in the parent contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but specific performance monitoring and accountability measures would be internal to the agency and contractor.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

dhs, tsa, transportation-security, explosive-detection-systems, airport-security, it-integration, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, irradiation-apparatus-manufacturing, national-security, infrastructure-upgrade, leidos-security-detection-automation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $32.8 million to LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF TASK ORDER 083 IS TO PROVIDE EDS REFRESH KITS AS WELL AS ALL ENGINEERING, LABOR, TRAVEL, AND TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR INSTALLATION. THIS REQUIREMENT ALSO INCLUDES ALL EQUIPMENT, ENGINEERING, LABOR, TRAVEL, AND TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH INTEGRATING THE REFRESHED EDS UNITS INTO EXISTING OPTINET NETWORKS, WHERE POSSIBLE, OR INSTALLING AND INTEGRATING THE EDS INTO NEW 10.X/OPTINET NETWORKS WHERE REQUIRED. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ALSO REPLACE VIEWING STATIONS, AND ANY OTHER PERIPHERA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-25. End: 2021-02-26.

What is the track record of Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. in delivering similar EDS integration projects for the TSA or other federal agencies?

Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. (formerly part of Lockheed Martin's Information Systems & Global Solutions business) has a significant history in providing security and detection solutions. They have been involved in various aspects of aviation security technology, including the development, integration, and maintenance of EDS. Their experience often spans large-scale federal contracts, including those with the TSA. Assessing their specific performance on prior EDS refresh and integration tasks would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, contract modifications, and any documented issues or successes on similar projects. This would provide insight into their capability to manage the technical complexities, logistical challenges, and timeline requirements of this current task order.

How does the per-unit cost or overall value of this contract compare to other recent EDS refresh or integration contracts awarded by the TSA?

Direct comparison of the $32.8 million total value for this task order to other EDS refresh and integration contracts requires access to detailed contract data, including the number of units refreshed, the scope of integration services, and the specific EDS models involved. Without this granular information, a precise per-unit cost benchmark is not feasible. However, the magnitude of the award suggests a significant undertaking. The TSA has historically awarded large contracts for EDS, and the pricing can vary widely based on technological advancements, the complexity of integration into existing airport infrastructure, and the competitive landscape at the time of award. A thorough value assessment would necessitate a detailed comparison of the scope of work, unit quantities, and contract duration against similar procurements.

What are the primary risks associated with the integration of new EDS units into existing OPTINET networks, and how are these risks being mitigated?

Key risks in integrating new EDS units into existing OPTINET networks include technical compatibility issues, potential disruptions to ongoing airport operations, cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced by new systems, and schedule delays. Compatibility risks arise from differences in hardware, software, and network protocols between the refreshed EDS and the existing OPTINET infrastructure. Operational disruptions could impact security screening efficiency and passenger flow. Cybersecurity risks are inherent in connecting new devices to a network. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous testing and validation phases, phased deployments to minimize operational impact, robust cybersecurity protocols and penetration testing, and close collaboration between the contractor, TSA, and airport authorities. The contract's emphasis on engineering, labor, and testing suggests a proactive approach to identifying and addressing these integration challenges.

What is the expected impact of these EDS upgrades on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of airport security screening?

The upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of airport security screening. Newer EDS technology typically offers improved detection capabilities for a wider range of threats, including sophisticated explosives and concealed items. Enhanced algorithms and processing power can lead to faster screening times and a reduction in false alarms, thereby improving throughput and passenger experience. Furthermore, the integration into updated OPTINET networks can facilitate better data management, real-time threat assessment, and seamless communication between screening points and security command centers. This modernization is crucial for maintaining a high level of security against evolving threats.

How has federal spending on airport security technology, specifically EDS, evolved over the past 5-10 years, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

Federal spending on airport security technology, particularly EDS, has been a consistent and significant area of investment for the TSA, driven by mandates from the FAA and evolving threat landscapes. Over the past 5-10 years, there has been a trend towards acquiring more advanced, automated, and integrated systems. This includes a shift towards EDS capable of 3D imaging and automated threat detection, moving away from older, more manual screening methods. This contract, valued at $32.8 million for refresh kits and integration, fits squarely within this trend of continuous modernization and technological advancement. It represents a substantial investment in maintaining and upgrading the nation's airport security infrastructure to meet current and future security requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingIrradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10E COMMERCE WAY, WOBURN, MA, 01801

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,252,286

Exercised Options: $32,771,012

Current Obligation: $32,771,012

Actual Outlays: $9,342

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0412DCT1200

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-09-25

Current End Date: 2021-02-26

Potential End Date: 2021-02-26 12:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-07-21

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